Assistance for Ukrainian Refugee Children with Cancer

Since the outbreak of the conflict in the neighboring country, "Life Without Leukemia" Association has provided support and assistance to Ukrainian refugee children suffering from oncological conditions. When hospitals in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa—where children with cancer were undergoing treatment—came under bombardment, we helped facilitate their evacuation to safety. To this end, a working group was established under the auspices of the Institute of Oncology, involving teams of oncologists and pediatricians from various hospitals, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Health. Our association, "Life Without Leukemia," is also a member of this team.

Over this period, we identified more than 200 families with children suffering from cancer or other serious illnesses and provided them with necessary support. Through the SAFER UKRAINE program, and with the backing of partners in the USA, Italy, Poland, and Romania, we developed operational procedures to ensure these children received the help they needed—whether in hospitals in Chișinău or in other cities across Europe.

Our efforts have also been recognized by the authorities. We were proud to receive a letter of appreciation from President Maia Sandu for the support provided to Ukrainian refugees—particularly children with cancer—as well as a certificate of appreciation and gratitude from the Mayor of Chișinău.

We successfully secured:

• Access to specialized diagnosis and treatment in the Republic of Moldova for child cancer patients who are refugees from Ukraine

• Accommodation for refugee families with children suffering from cancer or other chronic conditions

• Legal, logistical, and psycho-emotional support for refugee families with children facing oncological and other chronic conditions;

• Safe transport and transfer for patients selected for treatment abroad (Romania, Italy, Poland, etc.);

• Receipt of humanitarian aid intended for refugee families and its distribution to beneficiaries (clothing, hygiene products, school supplies, baby food, non-perishable food items, etc.).